A Artists present work in empty shop windows

WINDOW shopping takes on a whole new meaning in Dundalk this winter as the artists from Bridge Street Studios are displaying work from their 25th anniversary exhibition in the windows of empty shops around the town centre.

Appropriately named Silver, the exhibition sees current studio members Caoilfionn Murphy O’Hanlon, Fiona Quigley, Lisa Sherry, Mary Cowan, Orla Barry, Orlaith Cullinane, Rachel Tinniswood and Sarah McKenna joined by three founder members Frances Lambe, Joanne McKenna and Declan Honan, responding to a specially commissioned poem by Barbara Smyth.

While the exhibition had originally been planned for the Basement Gallery, the artists decided earlier in the year that there was a likelihood of further lockdowns, so decided to find a way around the restrictions.

Thanks to the efforts of An Tain’s Director Paul Hayes, Town Centre Commerical Manager Martin McElligott and developer Ronan Halpin, they are able to display their works in the windows of a number of vacant premises.

With a wide variety of artworks in different media, including ceramics, drawings, paintings, mixed media and textile art, the exhibition is well worth viewing as you walk around the centre of town, taking in locations in Clanbrassil St, the Long Walk, Earl Street and Jocelyn Street. A map for a self-guided tour, a map can be downloaded from www.antain.ie as well as the QR codes in the shop windows.

All the artworks are for sale by contacting Bridge Street Studios at 042 935 1712. With galleries reopening under Level 3, the artists are hosting a pop-up exhibition in The Basement

Sarah McKenna at the Silver Art Exhibition. B

Photos: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics Paul Hayes, An Tain Arts Centre with Caoilfionn Murphy O’Hanlon at the Bridge Street Studios Silver Art Exhibition.

Barbara Smith reading a poem at the Bridge Street Studios Silver Art Exhibition.

Joanne McKenna at the Bridge Street Studios Silver Art Exhibition.